University Cut off Points to Be Lowered
University Cut off Points to Be Lowered
Students hoping to get into different universities are eagerly expecting adjustments in admittance cut-off points following an order by Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, which comes with the release of the results of the 2023 KCSE exam. This action is a component of larger examination administration improvements meant to offer more flexible options for training and education. Cut-off and cluster point reviews aim to expand access to courses and careers that were previously limited to particular subject combinations and score ranges.
The 2023 KCSE exams included a revised marking and grading system that decreased the number of required topics from five to two: mathematics and any language (English, Kiswahili, or Kenya Sign language). This led to an adjustment in the entrance cut-off points. The five subjects with the best performance are now rated alongside these subjects. The modifications are in line with suggestions made by Prof. Raphael Munavu’s Presidential Working Party for Education Reform (PWPER), which supports a more straightforward grading system to enable more students to pass tertiary-level courses.
To prevent candidates from being at a disadvantage, CS Machogu gave the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) instructions to match course qualification standards with the new grading scheme. The focus is on the literacy (Kiswahili or English) and numeracy (math) abilities that are required for employment in TVET, colleges, and universities. 201,133 students received a grade of C (plus) or above in the 2023 exams, which is the current university cut-off level.
KUCCPS is also tasked with conducting a comprehensive career awareness campaign among 2023 KCSE candidates to ensure understanding of the new TVET and university entry requirements under the Higher Education Funding Model. Clear guidelines for TVET applications ahead of the March 2024 admissions are expected.
The release of results indicates changes in the grading landscape, allowing a larger number of students to pursue their preferred courses. Financial allocations for free primary education, junior secondary schools, and free day secondary schools were also announced to support educational infrastructure and access.
The Ministry of Education is streamlining the number of learning areas and curriculum designs in accordance with the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms report in order to alleviate content overload and overlaps in basic education. Along with continuing efforts to assess textbooks that are in line with the rationalized designs, this also includes directions for schools hosting CBC learners to adopt adjustments beginning on the first day of the first term.
